Yoga for physical Injury Recovery healing and for physical Excercise
My Journey: Overcoming Injury and Building Resilience through Yoga
In 2009, I suffered a severe back injury while lifting heavy wood. The pain was unbearable, forcing me to stop my daily routine. The following day, I couldn't even get out of bed without using my hands to support my body. My doctor advised me to rest and elevate my feet to alleviate the pain. While this helped to a degree, the discomfort lingered, affecting my quality of life. As a member of the Thai community, I turned to Thai massage, a widely recognized traditional treatment, which provided temporary relief. However, I knew I needed a long-term solution to manage my pain. This is when I discovered the power of stretching and "Self-trained Ascetic," an ancient Thai practice closely related to Buddhism, Hinduism, and what is now known as Yoga in the Western world. I started using Yoga as a self-care method to cope with my back injury. It worked wonders, offering more relief than pain medication ever did. Concerned about the long-term effects of relying on medication, I gradually stopped taking it, opting instead to focus on Yoga and avoiding heavy lifting to prevent re-injury. Back injuries take time to heal, often years, and avoiding further strain is crucial for recovery.
In 2011, I made the decision to join the Army. Despite my excitement, I was concerned about the physical demands—especially the sit-ups required for the Army Physical Fitness Test (PT). I feared that I might aggravate my old injury, but I was determined to serve. With caution, I maintained my physical fitness, using Yoga to strengthen my body. I had previously taken Yoga classes as part of my physical education at City College of San Francisco, which gave me a solid foundation. Over time, Yoga became the cornerstone of my fitness routine, helping me pass the PT consistently. For eight years in the Army Reserve, I worked hard to maintain my fitness. I achieved 45 sit-ups within two minutes for several PT tests, and by incorporating Yoga into my daily routine, I set new goals during my deployment to Europe in "Defender 2020." With dedication, I improved my sit-up performance significantly. I went from 45 to 70 sit-ups in two minutes, eventually reaching a maximum of 110-120 sit-ups. I was amazed at my progress, far exceeding my initial expectations.
The Power of Yoga in Building Strength and Preventing Injury
Even though the Army has since moved away from sit-ups with the introduction of the new Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT), Yoga has remained an essential part of my fitness regimen. It not only helped me surpass my goals but also allowed me to prevent further injury. Yoga gave me the strength, flexibility, and mental focus to excel in my fitness and military duties. After returning from Defender 2020, I was inspired to share what I had learned. I began conducting Mindfulness and Yoga Training every Tuesday during PT time at Fort Stewart, GA, for the Soldiers of the 703rd BSB. I started with basic stretching exercises to help them prepare for more advanced levels. Many Soldiers face health challenges, such as back pain or arthritis, and I wanted to offer them a path to healing and resilience through Yoga. I had the privilege of working alongside CPT Nancy Hausterman, PsyD, a Clinical Psychologist and Behavioral Health Officer, to support our Soldiers' mental and physical well-being.
As part of the 53D Transportation Battalion from 2023-2024 and now 2025 at 46th ASB (Aviation Support Battalion) at JBLM, WA, I am continuing my mission to provide spiritual and physical support to my fellow Soldiers. I am currently working on incorporating Yoga and Muay Thai Yoga into our physical training programs, helping Soldiers strengthen their bodies while avoiding injury. Yoga has been transformative for me, and I am passionate about sharing its benefits with others. Whether you're recovering from injury or simply looking to enhance your physical and mental well-being, Yoga can help you achieve your goals. I look forward to continuing this journey and helping others discover the healing power of Yoga.
The UMT mission: Nuture the living, Care for the Wounded, and honor the Fallen.